WiFi standards: Understanding the different 802 protocols.11

Today, under the name of Wi-Fi, we find A dozens of different standards who all share the same prefix: 802.11. You can find information on the most important in the context below. If most of them share common points, each also represents a sensitive evolution compared to its previous.

What is WiFi 802 standard.11ac ?

The Standard 802.11ac is the evolution of 802.11n, the first standard of broadband wifi. This is the best known of WiFi standards because it intervenes in our daily use of wireless networks whether with our smartphone, tablet or laptop ..

WiFi 802.11ac, what is ?

802.11AC is a WiFi transmission standard established by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers).

There are more specific standards adapted to very specific uses in parallel:

• 802.11Ah offers a low flow but a long wifi range (up to 100 meters) and thus perfectly meets the needs of connected objects

• 802.11ad offers a very high flow rate on a limited range (10 meters)

802.11ac, it changes what ?

The 802 standard.11ac appeared in 2013. The integration of “BeamForming” technology brings an improvement in the diffusion of waves which will now go to the device which connects to the WiFi network rather than to randomly cover the area around the access point.

WiFi 802.11AC also adds MIMO support (multiple input and multiple output) which allows in particular a WiFi access point to accommodate several antennas to boost the connection flow rate.

The use of an 80MHz channel width (compared to 40 for 802.11n) and 5 GHz frequency band are other factors that guarantee a much better quality wireless connection than the old standard.

Today, most network equipment (hotspot or router) and high-tech devices work with this standard. All WiFi equipment installed by Noodo is compatible with 802.11ac.

The successor to the WiFi 802 standard.11ac should be 802.11ax. This standard promises flows up to 4 times higher than the current standard.

A question ? An advice ? A specific need ? I contact Noodo

WiFi standards: Understanding the different 802 protocols.11

The launch of Wi-Fi dates from 1997. Since then, WiFi standards have continued to evolve to offer an ever more efficient flow with ever longer distances. This technology meets Wi-Fi standards called 802.11. Following these 5 figures, there is a letter or a series of letter.

The objective of these letters is to differentiate each generation. They are used in particular to distinguish the use that is made of it as for 802 standards.11a and 802.11b. One is intended for companies and the other to individuals. In this guide offered by MapetiteBox, everything you need to know about the different standards of Wi-Fi.

What is the history of wifi technology or wireless connection ?

As previously mentioned, Wi-Fi technology, for Wireless Fidelity or wireless loyalty, appeared in 1997. Its initial objective was the transmission of data from one network to another. It meets a set of standards the first of which was 802.11.

This protocol has changed a lot. Formerly it extended to a frequency strip ranging from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz and could reach a maximum flow of 2 Mb/s. Today, a lot of progress has been made and reachable flows are around several hundred, or even a few thousand Mb per second.

What should be known about the various Wi-Fi standards ?

In total, nine protocols have been established, the latest being the 802 protocol.11 Ah, allowing to reach a maximum of 6,750 mb/s of flow. Here is the list of the main protocols that existed so far.

• 802.11: This is the initial standard established in 1997.
• 802.11a and 802.11b: These two WiFi standards are the second version of the protocol, created in 1999. Version A was intended for businesses and the B version for individuals.
• 802.11g: This protocol was established in 2003. In particular, it has enabled an increase in the signal scope as well as maximum speed reachable in WiFi.
• 802.11n: This protocol existing since 2009 was the first to benefit the Box Internet of very high speed box. Optical fiber emerged in the 2000s, This standard was therefore the first to exploit the real potential.
• 802.11ac: this protocol dates from 2013. Still commonly used today, it allows you to reach ever higher flows.

Advice from mySmallBox

To find out which technology is intended for what equipment, you must go to the website of the Internet access provider or manufacturer in question. There is no point in having equipment with WiFi 6 If no device available is compatible with this standard.

What are the parameters that vary in the different Wi-Fi standards ?

Each WiFi standard is distinguished by three more important characteristics than the others. These main characteristics are the power of the signal, its scope and its frequency. Here are more details for each of them.

• Signal power:: It is counted in bits per second. This is the speed of information transfer. Internet boxes sometimes praise flows up to 1 Gb/s in download. This means that it is possible to download a amount of data equivalent to 1 GB in a second. For example, a film lasting 1h45 in HD weighs approximately 3 GB. With 500 Mb/s of flow per second, it is possible to download such a film in the space of less than a minute. To find out more about its installation, it is possible to carry out a flow test.

What are the parameters that vary between the different Wi-Fi standards ?

• The signal scope: This is simply the maximum signal that the signal can reach. The signal power obviously decreases as the user moves from the source. The issuing source can take the form of an internet box or a smartphone in modem mode. THE obstacles can also brake the diffusion of the wave and therefore its power and its scope. The higher the frequency strip used, the more the network is sensitive to obstacles and will have a low range.
• The frequency on which the signal diffuses:: undoubtedly the most complicated notion to understand. Information is propagated via hertzian waves. These waves are present on a frequency band that is counted in hertz, and more precisely in Giga Hertz. There are two frequency bands, or frequency spectrum, used by modems: The 2.4 GHz frequency and the 5 GHz frequency. The higher a frequency, the more information it allows. However, the faster the flow of information, and therefore the high frequency, the lower the signal will be low and sensitive to obstacles.

THE devices used will be more or less compatible with each of the two frequency bands. For example, the oldest phones will not be compatible with the frequencies of 5 GHz. This is the reason why many routers use so -called technology dualband.

What is the dualband ?

Technology dualband is a technology used in particular by the majority of today’s Wi-Fi equipment. Each router can actually use the 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz frequency or both at the same time. This is where technology comes in dualband. It allows the internet router to send and receive information on both frequencies both. This also optimizes Wi-Fi for each device. The most recent devices, compatible with the 5 GHz frequency, use it when older devices are intended for 2.4 GHz frequency.

The characteristics of the different Wi-Fi 802 standards.11

The technical terms having been explained, it is time to get to the heart of the matter. Each standard has characteristics that are specific to it. It should be noted that a previous standard is not necessarily obsolete.

Each Wi-Fi standard meets different needs depending on the user. It is not because a standard is old that it is systematically outdated. In addition, certain Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11Ah or the 802.11AX are efficient, but that in some very specific cases. It is therefore necessary to find a concrete and optimized application for each existing Wi-Fi standard.

Wi-Fi 802 standards.11 A, B and G, the beginnings of wireless

The first two Wi-Fi standards called 802.11a and 802.11b are relatively similar to a few exceptions. These were first WiFi standards for the general public and allowing internet access at home. The first domestic routers and modems were therefore modeled naturally on these two standards.

• The 802 standard.11a, or WiFi 1 was rather intended for companies. Indeed, she used the 5 GHz frequency band, which therefore meant that she could let more information pass at a time. THE signal was also more resistant to obstacles and interference. This therefore explained its maximum potential flow of 54 Mb/s. The scope of the signal was about 35 meters. It was the most used standard. It was not until 2009 and the 802 standard.11n to exceed these 54 mb/s maximum.
• The 802 standard.11b was rather intended for individuals. It presented a range similar to that of the 802 standard.11a, namely 35 meters. However, she presented a lesser flow. He amounted to 11 mb/s maximum. This was notably due to the use of the 2.4 GHz frequency band. A smaller aFrequence which therefore lets pass less information, but allowing a greater range, an axis which was also worked later with the following standard.
• Released in 2003, The 802 standard.11g, or Wi-Fi 2, can be presented as the fusion between the best of the two WiFi A and B standards. Namely a range extended to 40 meters thanks to the 2.4 GHz frequency, But a flow that remains despite 54 Mb/s maximum. This standard allowed the general public to taste high speed for the first time, the main difference between ADSL and fiber optics.

802 standards.11 A, B and G: protocols exceeded

Although 802 standards.11 A, B and G have been very useful not the past, they are now obsolete. Their characteristics are actually exceeded. Nowadays, most equipment uses Wi-Fi 5, or even Wi-Fi 6. These are indeed much more effective and adapted to current uses.

The 802 standard.11 N or WiFi 4, the democratization of broadband and very high speed

The main difference in Wi-Fi standards developed from 2009 is The use of the two frequency bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 802 standard.It thus made it possible to allocate a bandwidth according to the use of each device. For example, a computer requiring a better connection would be allocated the bandwidth in 5 GHz, and therefore benefit from a better speed, where a phone sailing on the internet was going to be on the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, allowing better range, to be able to move, but a slightly lower flow.

802.It is the first standard to give access to high speed and very high speed. Indeed, fixed Internet technologies evolving during the 1900s and 2010s, the 802 standard.He therefore made it possible to reach Dutch flows that can climb up to 288 Mb/s by 70 meters Thanks to the 2.4 GHz frequency and 600 Mb/s over 35 meters thanks to the 5 GHz frequency.

Another novelty present on standard 802.11n, the expanded band. Until then, frequency bands of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz had a width of 20 MHz. However, A wider band means better circulation of information and therefore a higher flow. This is the reason why the N version of the 802 standard.He could double the width of his bandwidth and go up to 40 MHz. Thus making it possible to double the flow of information circulating.

To read also to understand the units used in computer science

802.11 AC, or WiFi 5, the most common wireless technology at present

The 802 standard.11ac is one of the most still used at the moment. It allows you to reach a maximum flow of 1300 Mb/s or even 2,600 Mb/s using the frequency spectrum of 160 MHz. Her range of 35 meters is due to its positioning on the 5 GHz frequency. The 2.4 GHz frequency is no longer there.

Technology Beamforming also emerged with standard 802.11ac. It allows in particular to concentrate and guide the signal in one direction. Until then the signal extended continuously and equal in all directions. Strengthening the direction taken by the signal therefore increases the flow rate. This technology therefore makes it possible to boost your WiFi connection by avoiding data loss and interference.

What is the acronym MIMO ?

The acronym Mimo for Multiple inputs, Multiple outputs or multiple inputs and multiple outputs is a technology used by routers. With several antennas, a router can issue, and receive data from several devices. A single device can receive twice as much data.

802 WiFi standards.11 AD, 802.11 Ah and 802.11 AX (Wi-Fi 6) in detail

The last three standards covered by MapetiteBox are specific WiFi standards. Some have a huge flow, when others display a very long range. These standards exist and are operational, but still struggle to find real usefulness. It is however possible that in the long term, a specific application is found for each of them. These technologies are not yet intended for the general public and have more specific applications, especially in industry, for example.

Wi-Fi 802 standards flow.11ad, ah and ax ?

Here is what the latest Wi-Fi standards allow:

Wi-Fi AC, AD, N, G standards: flows, operation, differences, understand everything !

Wi-fi is everywhere around us. A network that we automatically capture at home or in a few clicks in the street or the cafes. Like many digital uses of our daily life, we no longer even think about it. But how have changed Wi-Fi standards ? How it works today ? We take stock with you.

If you thought that Wi-Fi had not changed since its beginnings or that it was identical in your home and at work, we are sorry but you are wrong ! Since the late 1990s, He has undergone radical transformations, adapting or creating our digital uses, as unsafe as they can sometimes be. To help you see more clearly, we decided to concoct this little guide.

WiFi standards: what differences in flows ?

It was in 1997 that IEE 802 standards appear for the first times.11, responsible for defining the very concept of wireless network. Two years later, Wi-Fi Alliance (then named WECA) is created by six pioneers To manage the brand just born.

Today, under the name of Wi-Fi, we find A dozens of different standards who all share the same prefix: 802.11. You can find information on the most important in the context below. If most of them share common points, each also represents a sensitive evolution compared to its previous.

802.11	Frequency band	Maximum theoretical flow	Scope	Congestion	Channel width	Mimo
has	5 GHz	54 Mbps	Weak	Weak	20 MHz	No
B	2.4 GHz	11 Mbps	Correct	High	20 MHz	No
g	2.4 GHz	54 Mbps	Correct	High	20 MHz	No
not	2.4 GHz	From 72 to 288 Mbps	Good	High	20 MHz	No
not	5 GHz	From 72 to 600 Mbps	Correct	Weak	20 or 40 MHz	Yes
AC (Wave 1)	5 GHz	From 433 to 1300 Mbps	Correct	Weak	20, 40 or 80 MHz	Yes
AC (Wave 2)	5 GHz	From 433 to 2600 Mbps	Correct	Weak	20, 40, 80 or 160 MHz	Yes (+Mu-Mimo)
AD	60 GHz	7GBPS	Very weak	Weak	?	Yes
ah	900 MHz	18mpbs	Very strong	High	?	?
AF	54 Mhz-790MHz	?	Very strong	High	?	?
ax	5 GHz	up to 10 Gbps	?	Weak	?	Yes

Small technical reminder, the lower the frequency, the more the network. On the other hand, it is more subject to the vagaries of external interference. This is why that the 2.4 GHz was gradually abandoned. Furthermore, when we talk about the theoretical maximum flow, it is often necessary to divide it by two to have the real speed. Finally, the scope is also strongly linked to the configuration of the place, to the presence of obstacles as concrete walls.

Faced with the impossibility of exhaustively presenting the sets of existing Wi-Fi standards or having existed, We decided to present you three, No doubt the most important, below.

Wi-Fi 802.11b, the start for individuals

We should rather say Wi-Fi 802.11a and 802.11b. We are in 1999, the first Wi-Fi networks arrive, the first standard is intended for businesses, the second to individuals. However, they have a first real difference. The first uses the 5 GHz band has an odfm modulation which allows it to reach 54 Mb/s. The second is on the band of 2.4 GHz but its modulation ODSS caps it at 11 Mb/s.

Wi-Fi 802.11g, a unified Wi-Fi

In 2003, we were witnessing the first mutation. The two previous standards are brought together under one and the same, the 802.11g. It is a mixture of the two. We recover the ODFM modulation of the private sector by combining the frequency in 2.4 GHz. The objective is to combine power (in 54 Mb/s and carried for all users. Positive point, retrocompatibility is ensured with the two old standards.

Wi-Fi 802.11ac, the main current standard

Wi-Fi 802.11ac is the main current standard. The first wave, or first generation of the standard offered a maximum speed of 3.47GBPS, while the second wave offers a maximum flow of 6.93gbps. In addition to a sharp rate increased, the main novelty brought by this second wave is the appearance of MU-MIMO technology (multiple input/multiple output).

This allows Wi-Fi to use several flows simultaneously. With Wi-Fi 802.11ac, these can be up to 8 simultaneously. This standard only works on the frequency of 5 GHz, the waves are oriented thanks to the beamforming and especially we finally find it the “multi-user” which allows the same terminal to manage several users at the same time.

Wi-Fi 802.11ad, a quick but very short standard

The new 802 standard.11AD, introduced for the first time by the smartphone, the Max Pro equipped with a Qualcomm chip, offers a radically different approach from WiFi. This standard sacrifices the scope in favor of an extreme speed. It is based on the 60 GHz frequency band, which allows it to reach a Impressive 7gbps speed. On the other hand, its scope is very short and the connection cannot cross the walls and other obstacles. The router must be at sight. This standard is therefore not suitable for an office or a full property, but can be practical for a single room. Its price is however too high to consider democratization at present.

Wi-Fi 802.11Ah and AF, norms of incredible scope

Unlike 802.11ad, standards 802.11Ah and AF bet on the scope. Thus, the 801.11Ah, also called WiFi Halow, offers a maximum range of one kilometer. To reach this range, the new standard is based on the 900 MHz frequency band. In return, the flow rate is between only 150kbps and 18mbps. This technology can however be useful for connected objects. The first Halow devices are expected for 2018. 802.11af, nicknamed White-Fi or Super Wifi, is based on television frequency bands between 54 MHz and 790 MHz. It could cover several kilometers of reach.

Wi-Fi 802.11AX, the standard of the future

Even the second wave of Standard 802.11ac is pale in front of the standard of the future: 802.11ax. This new standard will not only increase the general speed of the network, but also quadruple wireless connection speed individual. Within its research and development laboratories, Huawei managed to reach a 10GBPS wireless connection speed on the 5GHz frequency strip. This standard should be finalized from 2019.

What future for Wi-Fi ?

As we told you above, we often talk about the theoretical limit of flow here. But, beyond what the operator can promise, other limits exist at present. If Some models of laptops incorporate 3 space flows (3 antennas), others are limited to 2, Enough to bridle the connection of 867 Mbps instead of 1,300 potential. But, even if you have 3 antennas, your box must still accept them. In generic models in France, we only find Livebox 4.

In the case of your smartphones, the trend is identical even if More and more smartphones are now compatible with standard 802.11ac Wave 2. Haut-Débit problems that may seem well anecdotal with hindsight. Who still remembers compatibility problems on the 2.4 GHz band with microwave and other Bluetooth devices.

Another challenge awaits Wi-Fi, however. Unlimited 4G and even 5G Haut-Débit could mean its death stop. In the United States, it is a real trend that seems to emerge, even if for the moment, at home, it is the situation that is still privileged. For how long ? Other futuristic technologies such as Internet connection via LED or through a soil orbit micro-satellite could also send WiFi to oblivion.

Read also :

• Google wifi: full test, reviews, features, installation
• Facebook can now find free wi-fi around you, here’s how
• How to check if someone flies your Wi-Fi and protect yourself

Have you experienced the evolution of Wi-Fi at home or at work ? What are the most notable people you have noted over time ? Explain everything in the comments and tell us about your best anecdotes !

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